Robert Tomlin
Long Beach,CA
Summary
Proven ability to inspire team growth, drive holistic business improvement and elevate personal performance. Recognized for consistently diagnosing complex automotive systems and collaborating across stakeholders to deliver solutions that strengthen compliance, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive long-term success. Strategic and detail-oriented leader with a strong track record at Mercedes-Benz USA, aligning technical training initiatives with organizational and customer goals. Successfully led the CDT program by combining team leadership, curriculum precision, and a deep understanding of operational impact.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Technical Trainer & Certified Diagnostic Technician (CDT) Program Developer
Mercedes-Benz USA
Long Beach, USA
06.2018 - Current
- Spearheaded national relaunch of Certified Diagnostic Technician program, establishing standards for diagnostic expertise nationwide.
- Served as Subject Matter Expert for Global C-Service Committee, delivering technical analysis to influence service strategies.
- Developed and mentored elite team of CDT trainers for effective delivery of complex information.
- Collaborated with Field Service Engineering and Warranty Services to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Initiated training effectiveness reporting project with FSE leaders to assess post-training dealer KPI impact.
- Coordinated logistics and scheduling for training events involving trainers, managers, and dealer personnel.
- Monitored automotive industry trends and regulatory changes to maintain compliance across initiatives.
- Managed project documentation and communicated updates to stakeholders consistently.
- Consistently deliver 120 ILT days annually, while maintaining full accountability for the elective projects mentioned above.
Supervisor – Technician Recruitment, Development & Retention
Mercedes-Benz USA
Atlanta, USA
06.2017 - 06.2018
- Launched and supervised MBUSA's inaugural college partnership programs, creating a pipeline of qualified technicians trained to MBUSA standards.
- Facilitated weekly communications with Legal Counsel regarding RFQ, MOU, SOW, NDA, and related documents.
- Collaborated with automotive schools and dealership partners to enhance technician recruitment and service consistency.
Aftersales Instructional Designer
Mercedes-Benz USA
Atlanta, USA
02.2013 - 06.2017
- Architected and launched the flagship Certified Diagnostic Technician (CDT) training program from the ground up, creating the company's highest level of technical certification, and achieving a 96% participant success rate. Required ongoing collaboration with Warranty colleague to maintain compliance in MBA's only diagnostic process-related training.
- Authored 34 ILT training days in four years, plus numerous GT, and from-scratch eLearning courses with various vendors.
- MBA's SME/developer for courses requested by ASBD.
- Launched MBUSA's first digital workbook in 2014, during the C-Class launch.
- Awarded the prestigious MBUSA 'President's Brick' for exceptional project management and strategic impact in the development of mission-critical training programs that enhanced technical proficiency nationwide.
Team Leader
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan
New York, New York
03.2011 - 03.2012
- Implemented team model (Parts Advisor embedded), DMS digital estimates, vendor coordination (valet, parking, car wash, detail), and a shared technical knowledge hub; fostered an on-the-job training culture.
- Outcomes: tech CSI above target; production lifted from less than 40 to more than 45 hours per week; smoother advisor–technician workflow.
Team Leader
Mercedes-Benz of San Diego
San Diego, California
06.2004 - 02.2011
- Primary contact for customers with recurring or intermittent concerns, ensuring accurate diagnosis and quality repairs.
- Led and motivated a team of 14 technicians, tracked performance using Excel, and provided daily feedback to meet first-visit and efficiency goals.
- Managed technician training enrollment and developed tools to track bonuses, flag hours, and training status.
- Trained and developed two technicians into leadership roles through targeted mentorship and skill-building.
Service Advisor
Mercedes-Benz of San Diego
San Diego, California
03.2004 - 06.2004
- Maintained over 95% SES while supporting high walk-in traffic during staffing shortages.
- Boosted morale and productivity by stepping into advisory roles and training new service advisors.
Lead Diagnostic Technician
Mercedes-Benz of San Diego
San Diego, California
07.2002 - 03.2004
- Performed advanced diagnostics on repeat concern vehicles and supported team operations during leadership absences.
- Assisted in planning and executing the dealership’s relocation to a new facility.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology - Photovoltaic Systems
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA06-2028
Certificate in Web Publishing -
University of California, San Diego
San DiegoAutomotive Technology Program -
Santa Barbara City College
Santa BarbaraSkills
- Electrical Specialist (EFK) Certification
- Certified Diagnostic Technician (CDT)
- Advanced automotive diagnostics
- Specialist in root cause analysis
- 10 years customer interaction during recurring and intermittent concerns
- Proven continuous improvement mindset
- Stakeholder collaboration
- California lemon law compliance
- Legal counsel collaboration
- Risk mitigation and dispute resolution
- Warranty operations
- Mercedes-Benz C-Trainer certification
- Technical training and mentorship
- Curriculum development
- Cross-functional leadership communication
Performance Awards
- MBUSA 'President’s Brick' Award, 2016
- Mercedes-Benz Global TechMasters, Gold Medal, 2012
- Mercedes-Benz Global TechMasters, Bronze Medal, 2010
- Mercedes-Benz Master Wrench Award, 2005
- Penske Automotive 'Simply the Best' Award, 2003
Timeline
Lead Technical Trainer & Certified Diagnostic Technician (CDT) Program Developer
Mercedes-Benz USA
06.2018 - Current
Supervisor – Technician Recruitment, Development & Retention
Mercedes-Benz USA
06.2017 - 06.2018
Aftersales Instructional Designer
Mercedes-Benz USA
02.2013 - 06.2017
Team Leader
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan
03.2011 - 03.2012
Team Leader
Mercedes-Benz of San Diego
06.2004 - 02.2011
Service Advisor
Mercedes-Benz of San Diego
03.2004 - 06.2004
Lead Diagnostic Technician
Mercedes-Benz of San Diego
07.2002 - 03.2004
Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology - Photovoltaic Systems
Long Beach City College
Certificate in Web Publishing -
University of California, San Diego
Automotive Technology Program -
Santa Barbara City College